August 2002--Under the terms of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment & Reform Act (AIR-21), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded design grant funds to Akron Airport to implement safety related improvements. These design improvements include a parallel taxiway to the recently constructed runway, a lighted helipad, a paved crosswind runway, and improvements to the airport access road, detailed below.

The parallel taxiway to Runway 7-25 will allow aircraft to exit the main runway after use, which improves capacity, making the airport safer.

The helipad will improve emergency access and separate the ROTOR and fixed wing air traffic, making the airport safer.

The crosswind runway (Runway 11-29) is also a safety improvement outlined in the Airport Master Plan. Runway 11-29 is currently used when winds are out of the northwest. The availability of a paved secondary runway improves the safety of aircraft operations in crosswind conditions.

Funding is also approved for design and reconstruction to widen the existing access road into the Airport (John Street Extension) from 20 feet to 24 feet, including associated drainage and safety improvements. The improved road and drainage system will improve Airport access for customers and emergency vehicles.

These projects comply with the improvements outlined in the Airport Master Plan Update completed in 2000. This planning document was developed through input from the Town of Newstead, Village of Akron, airport owners, and nearby residents to improve the airport and meet current FAA safety and capacity related standards.

Christian Airmen will continue to work with both the Village of Akron and the Town of Newstead to improve the airport. It is anticipated that construction will commence in spring of 2003.

For additional information contact Wayne Wegman at (585) 325-1000 or e-mail: wwegman@passero.com.